Chester’s Customer Service Stars Crowned at 2026 Awards Night
Businesses across Chester city centre have been recognised for outstanding customer service as the winners of the Chester BID Customer Service Awards 2026 were revealed at a glittering ceremony this week.
From much-loved independents and hospitality favourites to national retailers and some of Chester’s newest arrivals, businesses were celebrated across 15 categories at the annual awards ceremony, held at The Guild on Watergate Street on Thursday 15th October.
Proudly sponsored by KingKabs, the Chester BID Customer Service Awards celebrate the businesses and teams going the extra mile for their customers. From delivering memorable experiences to offering a warm welcome, the awards recognise the people who help make Chester city centre a fantastic place to shop, eat, visit and do business.
The awards combine public voting with independent mystery shopping to recognise the very best in customer service. The public vote gives customers a chance to make sure their favourite businesses are highlighted, before the highest-voted businesses progress onto the next stage of assessment.
Chester’s food and drink scene continues to thrive, offering something for every occasion, whether it’s a perfectly made coffee, an artisan treat or memorable meal. Marmalade was named Best Coffee Shop/Café, while Chester Market favourite Pastry Pédaleur took Best Food on the Go. Beloved city eatery Chez Jules was crowned Best Restaurant, and Bridge Street wine bar Paysan won Best Pub, Bar & Club. Meanwhile, independent favourite Geoff Hughes Family Butcher was named Best Independent.
The city’s retail sector was equally celebrated, reflecting a shopping scene that brings together individuality, iconic brands and plenty of reasons to explore. Handmade cosmetic store Lush winning Best Small National Retailer, footwear favourite Dr Martens taking Best Small National Fashion Retailer and Next named Best Large Retailer.
One of the newest names on Chester’s hospitality scene also made its mark, with Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana taking home the Best Newcomer award, after their arrival on Bridge Street earlier this year.
It was fantastic to see so many of Chester city centre’s brilliant businesses come together to celebrate one another’s achievements.The evening was a real reminder of the passion, dedication and exceptional customer service that runs through our city, across every sector. Awards like these shine a light on the people who make Chester such a special place to shop, eat, drink and visit, while reinforcing the high standards our businesses set year after year. We should all be incredibly proud of what Chester has to offer. Congratulations to every one of our 2026 winners and finalists.
Elsewhere, Your Chester Spa won Best Health & Beauty Services, Nationwide was named Best High Street Services, and popular entertainment venue Rooftop Social Club took the award for Best Leisure & Attractions.
Law firm Cullimore Dutton was recognised as Best Professional Services, and women’s boutique About You was crowned Best of Eastgate Square, Chester’s central shopping centre.
Chester BID also thanked this year’s sponsor KingKabs for supporting the awards and The Guild for hosting the celebration and helping bring Chester’s business community together for the occasion.
Chester BID Customer Service Awards 2026 winners
